The Surprising Grain That Will Diminish Your Under-Eye Bags

We've all experienced those moments when our eyes puff out from being exhausted or sick and we get the dreaded "You look tired" comment from whoever is within a five-foot radius. As a result, we've familiarised ourselves with a bevy of different treatments and methods to send our bags packing. Though we've recently discovered yet another (super-effective) solution to puffy under-eyes: barley.

At a recent dinner with celebrity dermatologist Dr. Ronald Moy, I was provided with a thick packet of literature and accompanying imagery specifically surrounding epidermal growth factors. Though these skin-saving elements used to be predominantly derived from stem cells, they have since evolved to be bioengineered from barley plants. In a study, 29 females aged 39 to 75 years old with mild to severe signs of ageing and skin damage tested the plant-based EGFs, and after a few months, they experienced almost a 50% improvement in their skin. Why? Allow us to explain.

"The reason that the growth factors bioengineered or programmed from barley are so effective is that they stimulate the stem cells in the thin under-eye skin to grow thicker collagen, which then leads to tighter skin," said Dr. Moy. "Growth factors bioengineered from barley are much more stable and long-lasting than growth factors bioengineered from bacteria, as is done with insulin and Botox."

So while the barley-derived EGFs are somewhat of a miracle product, not all skincare needs to have the ingredient to yield results. (We've found very few companies that even have the ingredient in their skincare products). This offering from Lancôme is infused with barley for improved skin tone and detoxification for an allover more youthful appearance.

Finally, think about incorporating barely into your diet. It's rich in zinc to help repair the skin quickly, so whether you put it on your face directly or eat it, you'll get the healing and rejuvenating properties it boasts.